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EPA Updates Rule to Allow Limited Routine Flaring at New Oil Wells, Impacting Emission Regulations

EPA Updates Rule to Allow Limited Routine Flaring at New Oil Wells, Impacting Emission Regulations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated federal regulations to permit limited routine flaring of associated gas at new oil wells under specific conditions. This update applies to oil and natural gas wells that began construction after May 7, 2024, and extends beyond the 2026 phaseout deadline. The rule provides operators with additional flexibility in managing associated gas, particularly in situations where takeaway or infrastructure constraints exist. Industry groups, such as the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), have welcomed the clarification, stating it offers necessary regulatory guidance for independent producers. The policy is part of broader federal efforts to regulate methane emissions and associated gas handling in upstream oil and gas operations, with a focus on reducing flaring intensity across major U.S. producing regions like the Permian Basin.

EPA Allows Continued Flaring by Oil and Gas Operators Beyond Deadline

EPA Allows Continued Flaring by Oil and Gas Operators Beyond Deadline

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidance permitting oil and gas operators to continue routine flaring, a practice that releases methane and other pollutants, beyond the previously set deadline of May 7th. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a significant warming impact and is emitted alongside other harmful substances like volatile organic compounds and carcinogens. The decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, which argues that ending flaring is a cost-effective measure to reduce emissions and protect public health. The EPA's guidance comes despite years of preparation by the industry to phase out the practice.

EPA Extends Flaring Deadline for Oil and Gas Operators, Raising Environmental Concerns

EPA Extends Flaring Deadline for Oil and Gas Operators, Raising Environmental Concerns

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new guidance allowing oil and gas operators to continue routine flaring beyond the previously set deadline of May 7th. This practice, which releases methane and other pollutants, was initially scheduled to be phased out after years of preparation. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a significant warming impact, being 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. The decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, which argues that ending flaring is a cost-effective measure to reduce emissions and protect public health.

EPA Allows Methane Flaring Beyond Biden-Era Deadline Amid Industry Concerns

EPA Allows Methane Flaring Beyond Biden-Era Deadline Amid Industry Concerns

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that oil and gas operators can continue flaring methane beyond the May 7 deadline set by a Biden-era rule. The decision comes after operators expressed concerns about scenarios beyond their control that might necessitate continued flaring. The Clean Air Act rule, finalized in 2024, aimed to reduce methane emissions by phasing out flaring at new wells. The EPA's decision highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing environmental regulations with industry needs.

President Trump Approves Bridger Pipeline Expansion, Sparking Environmental Concerns

President Trump Approves Bridger Pipeline Expansion, Sparking Environmental Concerns

President Trump has granted approval for the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, a significant oil pipeline project connecting Canada to the U.S. The pipeline, dubbed 'Keystone Light,' is set to transport up to 550,000 barrels of oil daily through Montana and Wyoming. The project aims to avoid Native American reservations and will be constructed primarily within existing pipeline corridors and on private land. Despite the approval, the pipeline still requires additional state and federal environmental clearances before construction can commence, which is anticipated to start in 2027 and conclude by early 2029. Environmental groups have expressed concerns over potential spills, citing past incidents involving Bridger Pipeline and its subsidiaries.

Hubbert Peak Theory Revisited in the Shale Industrial Age: Implications for U.S. Oil Production

Hubbert Peak Theory Revisited in the Shale Industrial Age: Implications for U.S. Oil Production

Hubbert Peak Theory Revisited in the Shale Industrial Age: Implications for U.S. Oil Production

EPA Budget Cut Proposal Criticized by Senate Democrats as Climate Denial

EPA Budget Cut Proposal Criticized by Senate Democrats as Climate Denial

Senate Democrats have criticized the Trump administration's proposal to significantly cut the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) budget, describing it as a move that undermines the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment. During a congressional hearing, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the budget cuts, arguing they would make the agency more efficient. The proposed budget would reduce funding for state environmental programs and halt certain climate research initiatives. Democrats, however, argue that these cuts would hinder efforts to address pollution and climate change, with some labeling the proposal as a 'climate change deniers’ manifesto.' The budget plan also includes rescinding regulations on coal plant emissions and greenhouse gas limits, which Democrats claim would benefit the fossil fuel industry at the expense of public health.

Analysis-While Asia and Europe scramble for natural gas, the US glut has nowhere to go

Analysis-While Asia and Europe scramble for natural gas, the US glut has nowhere to go

By Scott DiSavino and Curtis Williams May 1 (Reuters) - The war with Iran has boosted prices of globally traded natural gas by throttling exports from the Gulf. In West Texas, gas is so abundant that some producers must pay to have it taken away.

EPA Allows Continued Flaring by Oil and Gas Operators Beyond Set Deadline

EPA Allows Continued Flaring by Oil and Gas Operators Beyond Set Deadline

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidance permitting oil and gas operators to continue routine flaring, a practice that releases methane and other pollutants, beyond the previously set deadline of May 7th. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a significant warming impact, and its release is a major environmental concern. The decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, which argues that ending flaring is a cost-effective way to reduce emissions and protect public health. The EPA's guidance comes despite years of preparation for the phase-out of flaring.

Occidental's Hollub, a rare female chief in US oil, to step down

Occidental's Hollub, a rare female chief in US oil, to step down

May 1 (Reuters) - Occidental Petroleum said on Friday CEO Vicki Hollub, one of the most prominent women in the male-dominated oil industry, would retire next month, handing the reins to insider Richard Jackson.

Trump gives go-ahead to major new Canada-US oil pipeline

Trump gives go-ahead to major new Canada-US oil pipeline

President Donald Trump has granted a key approval to a major new pipeline that would move oil from Canada into the central U.S. The three-foot-wide Bridger Pipeline Expansion would carry up to 550,000 barrels of oil a day from the Canadian border with Montana down through eastern Montana and Wyoming, where it would link up with another pipeline

Environmental Protection Agency boss backs big budget cuts but Congress will get the final say

Environmental Protection Agency boss backs big budget cuts but Congress will get the final say

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency is back on Capitol Hill defending the administration's plan to cut in half the EPA's budget